Experiences of liver health related uncertainty and self-reported stress among people who inject drugs living with hepatitis C virus: A qualitative study

S Goutzamanis; JS Doyle; A Thompson; P Dietze; M Hellard; P Higgs

Journal article

Experiences of liver health related uncertainty and self-reported stress among people who inject drugs living with hepatitis C virus: A qualitative study

S Goutzamanis, JS Doyle, A Thompson, P Dietze, M Hellard, P Higgs

BMC Infectious Diseases | BMC | Published : 2018

DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3057-1

Download PDF

Abstract

Background: People who inject drugs (PWID) are most at risk of hepatitis C virus infection in Australia. The introduction of transient elastography (TE) (measuring hepatitis fibrosis) and direct acting antiviral medications will likely alter the experience of living with hepatitis C. We aimed to explore positive and negative influences on wellbeing and stress among PWID with hepatitis C. Methods: The Treatment and Prevention (TAP) study examines the feasibility of treating hepatitis C mono-infected PWID in community settings. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 purposively recruited TAP participants. Participants were aware of their hepatitis C seropositive status and had recei..

View full abstract

University of Melbourne Researchers

Alexander Thompson Author

Margaret Hellard Author

Alexander Thompson Author

Grants

Funding Acknowledgements

The TAP Study (source of recruitment) is an investigator-initiated study supported by a research grant from Gilead Sciences. The funding body were not involved in study design, data collection, interpretation or analysis or manuscript production.